Sense of Place / Architecture: Images that capture the feeling, majesty, and ambiance of the ceremony/reception, and highlight the most appealing aspects of the structures/settings (churches, reception halls, tents, patios, beachfronts, woods, etc.) where the events of the day transpired.

Judges Comment: I thought this image was stunning. It immediately shot to the top for me because of the composition and artistic manipulation. It looks old and new at the same time, like a memory. Well done.

Judges Comment: The art of sophisticated photography can be found in its compelling mix of fundamental photography and good timing. And those saturated colors certainly didn't hurt. I'd be proud to have made that photo.

Judges Comment: Gosh darn folks… it's a kid and a barn and a blue sky. Take them apples and mix it with a dash of old fashioned composition and you've got yourself a mighty fine picture. I sure liked it.

Judges Comment: This is one of those "gut feeling" kind of images that are often hard to explain. For me, this image works because all the elements, from subject to the strong horizontal display work to convey a strong sense of veracity. This photo carries a sense of veracity as though to say, this is what "it" looked like when no one was watching. How nice that someone with a camera was doing more than just "watching."

Judges Comment: The people in this image are not merely incidental to the locale. Through use of desaturated, near monochromatic colors, they are as familiar to the graphic architecture as the walls surrounding that amazing chandelier.

Judges Comment: Sometimes a photo stands out in my mind in the form of redaction - an odd twist on the ideology of image layers. Would it be a good photo if it was just the water, clouds and setting sun? Yes. Remove the clouds and sun. Add the birds alone with the water. Still good? Yes. Eliminate the birds, clouds and sun to only people and water. Still good? Yes. Now put them all together. Lovely.

Judges Comment: I was not sure that the bride and groom were the subject of this picture, but I still liked the couple framed in the structure. I am always encouraging students to “play in the extremes” and this picture does that well.

Judges Comment: It's such a temptation to believe that excellent imagery is the result of intense photographic skills. Who can blame us for thinking that? After all, most of us have dedicated our entire life at being "better" as photographers. Surely that counts for something? Yes and no. Sometimes it is as simple as being there. Seeing the image. Raising a camera and taking a photo. Well… then again, perhaps that isn't as simple as it seems. Nonetheless, this image represents simplicity in composition, light and color. And that makes for some intense photographic skills.

Judges Comment: A former boss used to speak of taking photos of "people" without the people. I took it to heart and did numerous essays over the years that hopefully fulfilled that concept. Unfortunately I never quite figured out how it works other than to say that excellent use of fundamental photography can give "life" to almost anything. Thus, here is a "reception" - without the people. I love it.

Judges Comment: Very strong design with good color and tone and nice detail throughout the scene.

Photographer's Comment: This is a very iconic tree shot by nearly everyone so I wanted an image that reflected me rather than everyone else. I always arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to my weddings to allow time to scope out shots and test for light issues. I believe I used my 15mm on the 7D to get the entire tree in the shot. I exposed for the midtones knowing I would open up the shadows later in post. I come from a film background and miss TMAX 3200 so many times I will shoot an image knowing in post I will either add grain or emphasize it in the shadows.